Barbacena

Located in the Mantiqueira Sierra, Barbacena’s climate, light levels, and altitude were crucial factors in the cultivation and heavy trading of roses and other flowers, beginning in the 1960s. This activity gave the city national recognition as the “City of Roses”. On the city’s outskirts other flowers are also cultivated on a commercial scale, including chrysanthemums, lilies, daisies, and milk cups. This is the reason that the municipality holds one of its main, annual events, the traditional Festival of Roses and Flowers. Today, as well as preserving farms, museums, historic mansions and two important 17th century churches, Barbacena remains economically dynamic, boasting several industries, active trading, good schools, hotels, varied cuisine, and entertainment. In a cultural context, the city is the home to the highly respected theatre group, Ponto de Partida.